As a predominately Frontend dev, being introduced to React was a game-changer for me.
As a result, Ive been a fan of React for a while now (despite what some critics might think 🤭).
To be honest, I use the term fan loosely as basically I cant escape it at this point since I use it every day at work 😅.
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But I still do enjoy working with it, and if I was building a side-project, React would be my go-to.
That is until I discovered Next.js.
With Next.js the game has changed again - in an awesome way 💫.
Now Next.js its my number one for any web app I build - sorry React.
In this article, I want to briefly explore why Next.js is worth your time and attention.
We'll cover what makes it unique, how it improves on React, and why it should be on your radar as a go-to framework for modern web development.
And if youre as eager to learn Next.js as Im eager to use it, Ill give a list of the best resources to learn Next.js for free.
But lets get some background first:
What is Next.js?
Next.js is a React-based framework for building server-rendered applications. It leverages techniques like static site generation and automatic code splitting to make React sites faster, more optimised, and easier to develop.
Some key features of Next.js include:
Server-side rendering for improved SEO and page load times
Easy page routing and navigation
Built-in CSS and SASS support
API routes to handle backend requests
Automatic code splitting for faster page loads
Overall, Next.js takes the work out of React web development and optimises sites right out of the box.
Why Next.js when we have React?
Next.js supercharges React apps by adding extra capabilities that make it a major improvement over using React alone.
For one, Next.js enables server-side rendering with no extra configuration needed. This results in better SEO since search engines have an easier time crawling and indexing the site.
Next.js also provides static site generation (SSG), allowing entire sites to be prebuilt into static HTML ready to serve.
This produces incredible page speed performance.
Other advantages over plain React include automatic code splitting, built-in CSS support, API routes for backend functions, and simplified routing.
Overall, Next.js takes React to the next level.
Next.js vs Other Frameworks
Other than the above, Next.js sets itself apart from other popular web development frameworks like Angular and Vue in a few key ways:
💻 Simplified Development
Features like automatic code splitting, CSS support, routing, and API endpoints are built into Next.js, speeding up development. Angular and Vue may require more configuration and extensions for these capabilities.
📈 Scalability
Next.js is designed to scale smoothly as apps grow in size and complexity. Its component-based architecture and optimisation features keep apps fast. Angular and Vue can suffer performance dips at scale.
React Integration
Next.js deeply integrates with React, making it the optimal choice for developers already using React. Angular and Vue have a steeper learning curve coming from React.
Overall, if you need the performance, SEO, and scalability of SSR and SSG for a React application, Next.js is likely the best framework choice compared to other options.
Okay now that Im done blowing the trumpet for Next.js, lets look at some of the top free resources to learn Next.js in 2023:
#1 - The Official Next.js Docs
Theres no better place to start than with the Official Next.js docs from Vercel.
Its where I started and it helped me A LOT!
By the end, I had my first Next.js application up and running and could easily build on it from there.
Their beginner-friendly, example-led course will guide you through all the knowledge you need for Next.js. You will build a simple project step-by-step; starting with a JavaScript application, and then migrating it to React and Next.js.
Each section builds on the previous one, so you can choose where to start depending on what you already know.
#2 - Codedamn
Codedamn's Learn Next.js course not only covers the core principles and theoretical framework of Next.js but also offers hands-on experience with simple app projects.
From understanding the basics of Next.js and its routing mechanisms to diving deep into APIs, deployment, and server-side rendering functions, this course will set the foundation for becoming a full-stack developer.
For building full projects, you can also consider exploring Codedamn's full-stack learning path.
#3 - TutorialsPoint
The Next.js tutorial from TutorialsPoint is a great resource for anyone looking to truly master Next.js. It covers all of the key topics needed to go from beginner to pro.
The tutorial starts with the basics - explaining what Next.js is, its benefits, and how to get set up. From there, it provides easy-to-follow instructions on core concepts like pages, routing, and pre-rendering.
You'll learn how to work with CSS, images, and static files in Next.js. It also dives into advanced functionality like API routes, middleware, TypeScript integration, and more.
Throughout the tutorial, you'll find helpful code examples and visuals to aid understanding.
By the end, you'll have built sample Next.js applications and deployed them.
#4 - We Learn Code
The "Complete Beginner's Guide to Next.js" tutorial from We Learn Code is the perfect introduction for those new to Next.js. It explains key concepts like server-side rendering versus static site generation to provide context.
The tutorial then walks step-by-step through building a Next.js app from scratch. You'll create a main page displaying colour options, each leading to a details page for that colour. This real-world project teaches core skills like pages, routing, components, and dynamic URLs in an easy-to-follow way.
By the end, you'll have gained practical experience with the fundamentals to start building your own Next.js apps.
The tutorial covers just what you need to know as a beginner without being overwhelming.
#5 - GeeksForGeeks
The Next.js course from GeekForGeeks provides a comprehensive introduction covering all the core concepts you'll need to build Next.js applications.
It starts with the fundamentals like Next.js pages, linking, styling with CSS modules, and layouts. You'll learn how to work with images and fonts and go into the different forms of pre-rendering including server-side rendering.
From there, the course explores key topics like data fetching, dynamic routes, dynamic code splitting, Fast Refresh, and routing. You'll also learn how to customise Next.js with environment variables, authentication, and more deployment options.
By the end, you'll have built sample Next.js apps and deployed them.
The course covers both foundational knowledge and advanced capabilities in Next.js. The broad range of topics makes it a great one-stop resource for mastering this framework.
#6 - Udemy
The Next.js Crash Course for Beginners by Udemy provides everything you need to go from Next.js beginner to building advanced applications.
The instructor starts with the absolute basics, so no prior Next.js experience is required - just React fundamentals.
You'll learn how Next.js works, and its core concepts like pages, dynamic routes, different pre-rendering strategies, data fetching, and static site generation. Practical examples demonstrate how to navigate between pages, work with data, and integrate APIs.
The course also covers adding authentication with Next Auth and deploying finished apps.
You'll finish with a solid grasp of Next.js features and hands-on experience building a real-world application from start to finish.
Honorable Mentions
Mastering Next.js
freeCodeCamps Learn Next.js for Scalable Web Apps
Bonus - YouTube Videos
No place does free content like YouTube, and of course, there are plenty of great video courses for learning Next.js.
Here are a few of them:
Next.js Full Course for Beginners - by Dave Gray
Learn Next.js 13 With This One Project - by Web Dev Simplified
Next js Tutorial for Beginners - Programming with Mosh
And there you have it - everything you need to start your Next.js learning journey.
With its performance benefits, React integration, and simplified development, Next.js is absolutely worth your time learning.
The free resources covered provide a perfect starting point - from official docs to tutorials to courses. Work through them to get hands-on practice building real projects with Next.js core concepts and features.
Within a few weeks of dedicated learning, you can go from beginner to building production-ready apps. And you'll be set up with a strong foundation to continue expanding your Next.js skills.
The demand for Next.js is only growing as more companies recognise its strengths for modern web development.
Now is the time to add it to your skillset so you can build faster, SEO-optimised, and scalable web apps.
So if youre looking for whats next, its Next.js!
From your fellow ever-growing dev,
Cherlock Code
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